When the teacart was delivered, Violet poured and passed out the cups. “Billericay is a lovely village. I’m glad we came. The villagers are looking forward to the garden party.”
“Emma, did you find anything to your liking?” Courtney asked.
Emma shook her head. “No. They do not have a bookstore.”
THE DAY OF THEgarden party dawned bright and sunny. Violet was looking forward to meeting the rest of the villagers and their families. Although she hadn’t wanted to go, she was glad that her mother had insisted they all make the trip, although she would be glad to return to London after the party. Their next outing was the Wollard ball, and she was looking forward to dancing with Lord Alesbury again. Was he missing her as much as she missed him? She hoped so.
The grounds at Blakely Manor had been transformed. The gardeners had planted numerous flowering bushes, and the scent from the rose bushes drifted on the soft breeze. Numerous tables were set up on the lawn, filled with all manner of food to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Edgerton had also insisted on setting up a play area for the children.
“The party looks to be a great success,” Edgerton said, standing beside his wife. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
Courtney nodded. “It was my pleasure. The manor turned out quite lovely, and the area’s beautiful. I’m happy to see that so many of the locals were hired to work here as well.”
“Yes. I wanted to make sure the village continued to flourish. Once the mill is fully operational, there will be more good-paying jobs.”
Edgerton and Courtney continued to greet everyone as they arrived.
“Lord Edgerton, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Mrs. Thatcher and had the pleasure of meeting your sisters when they visited my store yesterday.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Edgerton said. “May I introduce my wife, Lady Edgerton?”
Mrs. Thatcher curtseyed. “Lady Edgerton.”
Mrs. Thatcher, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Courtney said.
“I’m ever so glad you came for a visit. Thank you for holding such a lovely party, Lady Edgerton, Lord Edgerton.”
“It’s our pleasure.”
Violet was moving through the crowd greeting the villagers when she spotted Mrs. Thatcher. “Good day, Mrs. Thatcher. It’s lovely to see you again.”
“Miss Bainbridge, good day to you. I just met your brother and his lovely wife.”
“I wanted to let you know that both my mother and Lady Edgerton were quite pleased with their shawls.”
“I’m so glad, Mrs. Thatcher said.
“Are you here alone, Mrs. Thatcher?” Violet asked.
Mrs. Thatcher shook her head. “No, I’m with my brother and his family. Have you met my niece Susanna? She’s my brother’s daughter and of a similar age.”
“No. I’ve not had the pleasure.”
“Please allow me to introduce you,” Mrs. Thatcher said, guiding Violet toward her brother’s family.
“Jacob, this is Miss Bainbridge, Lord Edgerton’s sister.”
Jacob nodded. “Miss Bainbridge a pleasure to meet you. This is my wife, Amelia, and my daughter Susanna.”
“I’m pleased to meet all of you,” Violet said. “Susanna, would you like to walk around the grounds with me? I’d love to meet more of the neighbors.”
Susanna looked to her father, who nodded his consent. “I’d love to. Thank you, Miss Bainbridge,” the young woman said.
Violet linked arms with Susanna as they walked away. “Oh, please call me Violet. Come, I’ll introduce you to my sisters.”
The rest of the day flew by as Violet and Susanna became fast friends.
“I shall write to you when I return to London.”
